Few countries have witnessed the changes that the UAE has over the past 52 years. There are endless accounts of folks who were born into mudbrick houses who went on to become cabinet ministers, ambassadors, business personalities and teachers. Countless indeed, but very few are documented in depth and written down for others to read and learn from. It is high time that the generation of Emiratis who have witnessed the birth of this nation put pen to paper the events they have witnessed and the stories behind them. Read more »
Succession planning in family businesses need not be an epic drama
Nearly three quarters of the UAE’s private sector workforce is employed by family enterprises. Taking further steps to manage transition and inheritance will help such firms thrive. Read more »
Christie’s hosts the largest exhibition of modern and contemporary Arab art in London
The largest exhibition of modern and contemporary Arab art to be held in London is now open at Christie’s. The gender-balanced display includes more than 150 works from 1939 to 2023. Watch the coverage on CNN. Read more »
#ABtalks with Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi is the founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, an ivy league university professor, and the owner of one of the biggest art collections in the Arab world. From his upbringing, to his evolving relationship with his parents, and the eventual passing of his father, Sultan’s story unfolds before us. Discover how this former engineering major transformed him into a prominent figure in the art world, offering valuable insights into the world of art and sharing his unique perspectives on life. Read more »
Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation | Sultan Al-Qassemi & Dr Ridha Mourn
What was it like curating the biggest exhibition of Arab art happening right now? Why is “Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation” such a landmark exhibition? Afikra sat down with the exhibition’s curator and deputy chair of Christie’s MENA, Dr Ridha Moumni, and Barjeel Art Foundation founder Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi to go behind the scenes of the curation process. Read more »
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi of the Barjeel Art Foundation: ‘My aim is to have Arab art taught on a par with other art histories’
As Christie’s hosts London’s largest exhibition of modern and contemporary Arab art, we speak to the founder of the UAE-based Barjeel Art Foundation, whose unique collection is finding new audiences for Middle Eastern artists past and present. Read more »